Monster

Monster

By Myers, Walter Dean.

Illustrated by Christopher Myers.

(1999). New York, NY: Harper Tempest

ISBN 978-0064407311

Reading Level: Grades 7-9

Summary: Sixteen-year-old Steve Harmon is on trial, as an adult, for felony murder. He’s terrified. The prosecutor calls him and his co-defendant “monsters.” But, is he a monster, or is he innocent, as he claims? Steve is accused of being the lookout man in a robbery that ends with the murder of the store owner. But was he there? Uniquely presented in Steve’s voice, the book consists of first person journal entries as well as a movie script-style of story telling, complete with blocking and camera directions. Dealing with the complexities of racism, poverty, peer pressure, and freedom, readers will experience how painstakingly difficult the jury’s job is as they try to distinguish honorable from self-serving motives and truths from lies.

Review: Compelling and intense, Monster paints a picture of a young boy struggling with right and wrong, prejudice, and the pressure to belong. The honest first person accounts, and movie script-style, give the book authenticity and interest and draw the reader in to the story. Elements of Steve’s struggles are relatable for many tweens, and the depths of his troubles give the reader empathy for his predicament as well as ambivalence about the crimes he is accused of committing. This book is better suited to more mature tweens, due to its heavy subject matter, violence, and references to sexual assault in prison. Hailed by critics, Monster belongs in a tween core mystery collection for its excellent writing and compelling storyline as well as several awards and nominations. Monster was published in 1999, but the story of Steve’s struggles is timeless, and will continue to be current for many years to come. Additionally, Monster depicts an African American teen, providing much-needed ethnic diversity to the tween Mystery genre.

Selected Awards: Michael L. Printz Award Winner 2000, Edgar Award nomination for Best Young Adult Mystery 2000, Corretta Scott King Award Honor 2000, National Book Award Finalist 1999, ALA’s Best Books for Young Adults 2000, ALA’s Recommended Books for Reluctant Young Readers 2000